Auguries

Auguries refers to the signs or omens considered to be of supernatural origin, indicating the future. These are often derived from the observation of natural phenomena, such as the flight patterns of birds, the entrails of animals, or celestial events. In ancient times, interpreting auguries was a crucial practice for diviners and soothsayers who sought guidance in matters of state, war, and personal affairs. The belief in auguries stems from the human desire to understand and control destiny and make informed decisions. The value assigned to auguries depended on the specific culture and timeframe.

Auguries meaning with examples

• The Roman senate meticulously studied the flight of eagles and the behavior of chickens, believing these auguries offered crucial clues about the outcome of battles and political decisions. Failure to observe the correct ritual when observing the auguries could mean failure in a battle.
• Before embarking on a long voyage, sailors would often look for favorable auguries, such as dolphins swimming alongside their ship or the absence of storms, hoping these signs promised a safe journey across the treacherous seas and oceans.
• The prophet consulted the entrails of a sacrificed lamb, interpreting the distorted shapes as auguries foretelling the kingdom's imminent demise because they weren't pleasing in form or order. No other option would do.
• The fortune teller, after staring into her crystal ball, claimed that the swirling patterns were auguries of wealth and success, enticing hopeful clients to invest in her ambiguous schemes. This was likely all fake.
• Modern meteorologists studying patterns of extreme weather might be seen as interpreting new scientific auguries, drawing the same conclusions as ancient auguries, but using data to discover the future through prediction.